The Grand Opening, Part 2

Posted on Fri Nov 16th, 2018 @ 3:55pm by Captain Horatio Refelian & Vice Admiral Yewande Banda

1,304 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Mission 2: Into The Breach
Location: Function Room, Diplomatic Hub
Timeline: MD03 - 1900 Hours

Background Music played prior to the ceremony beginning at the Parade Grounds of Faltan Station. Captain Rafelian was a humble man who was not big on parades, so he declined to have one for his assumption of command, even forgoing a formation of personnel.

There were two seats on stage with a podium with chairs in front of the stage while bleachers flanked the chairs.

A voice boomed over the speakers with a Lieutenant stepping up to the podium in service dress, "Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Faltan Station assumption of command ceremony. Today, the men and women of Faltan Station welcome their new commander, Captain Horatio Rafelian. The presiding officer for today’s assumption of command ceremony is Rear Admiral Yewande J. Banda, Commanding Officer, Task Force 93, Bravo Fleet. I am your narrator, Lieutenant Sam Ford," the narrator started.

"Today’s ceremony signifies the assumption of command of Faltan Station. In Starfleet, we vest all authority and responsibility in the hands of our commanders. The change of authority and responsibility reaches from the lowest unit directly to the commander-in-chief, President Bezar. No Starfleet unit may be without a commander even for a brief period of time. In the ceremony you will witness the instant Captain Rafelian salutes Rear Admiral Banda and says, 'I assume command,' all authority and responsibility transfer immediately to him," the narrator continued.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and remain standing for the arrival of the official party, the presentation of the colors, ruffles and flourishes, and the playing of the Federation anthem."

Everyone rose as Rear Admiral Banda and Captain Rafelian emerged from behind one of the bleachers and marched down the center aisle onto the stage and faced the audience.

"Present the colors," Banda ordered.

An honor guard marched forward to a position in front of the stage with the Federation and Starfleet Flags and two security officers on each end holding a phaser rifle.

Ruffles and flourishes played and every Starfleet member saluted Rear Admiral Banda. Ruffles and flourishes were always played for an Flag Officer, one ruffle and flourish per boxed pip.

Following the ruffles and flourishes, the Federation Anthem started to play and the Honor Guard member holding the Starfleet flag, dipped it in respect while all Starfleet personnel once again saluted, including Banda.

Following the Federation Anthem, the honor guard posted the colors and marched away from the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated," the narrator said. "Rear Admiral Banda will now execute the assumption of command for Faltan Station."

Banda and Refelian rose and Banda quietly said "officers post" to Harry. They took two steps forward and then executed facing movements to be at the center of the stage.

From behind the bleachers, a Master Chief carried a guidon with Faltan Station's pennant on it.

"Starfleet Command, Special Order 347, subject: assumption of command, dated (INSERT DATE), assigns Captain Horatio Refelian as commander, Faltan Station, Task Force 93, Bravo Fleet, effective (INSERT DATE)."

Harry turned at the same moment as Banda so the two were facing each other and Harry saluted, projecting "I ASSUME COMMAND."

Banda returned the salute as the Master Chief handed the guidon to Harry.

Harry placed his hands on the guidon and posed for a photo, then released it back to the Master Chief and posted the guidon at the rear of the stage by the flags before marching off.

Banda and Harry meanwhile executed facing movements so they were now facing the audience again.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Rear Admiral Yewande Banda, Commander of Task Force 93!" the narrator announced.

Harry then took his seat as Banda approached the podium.

"Today, we are taking a step to increase operations at Faltan Station-- a step to cooperate and provide security for the Raeya Sector Block," Banda started, all too familiar with recent events. "There has been too much death over the past weeks and I trust Harry in leading the charge to stem the tide," Banda smiled, glancing at Harry. "He is a very seasoned commander, one who garners respect at first sight. A true diplomat, yet do not be fooled though, as I have seen this man in combat. He will not hesitate to sound the horn of action, if the situation calls for it," Banda tempered her tone, knowing her speech would be copied and sent out among the population. "The Raeya Sector Block is the true frontier and beyond is where we must keep going. We cannot forget to take care of each other while we are here though, ensuring we are gracious to our hosts. Captain Refelian, I charge you with the duty to bring the Federation's ideals to the Raeya Sector Block and ensure everyone can enjoy universal liberty, rights, and equality, while sharing knowledge and resources in peaceful cooperation, scientific development, space exploration, and defensive purposes, now and forever. Ladies and gentlemen, your new commander of Faltan Station, Captain Horatio Refelian!"

Harry approached the podium for remarks.

Harry smiled as he glanced around the full function room. Proudness washed over him. “Thank you Admiral Banda for that warm welcome.

“I have to say when I was offered the position of Commanding Officer of Faltan Station, the prospect excited me. This Station has the potential to become Starfleet’s next Deep Space Nine. She holds a critical position with the Raeyan Sector Block. An area which is rich in resources and potential. It’s true, most Captain’s within Starfleet want to Command a ship and be out there.” He said as he pointed up with his finger. “But it’s postings like these that make Federation space safer.

“The Sovereignty of Kahless are known to be pushing their borders outwards, as are the Free Romulan Movement. The local’s here on Faltan aren’t impressed that we’ve reinstated this station and have made it difficult for us over the past few weeks but without us here to protect them, the RSB is their’s for the taking. That is something that Starfleet and the Federation can’t and won’t allow to happen.”

"The men and women of Faltan Station officially welcome Captain Refelian and entrust to him the continued success of the unit. Ladies and gentlemen, would you please rise for the playing of the Starfleet song and remain standing for the departure of the official party."

The Starfleet song played as Banda and Refelian departed the stage and stood by the entrance area to the ceremony while everyone stood.

"On behalf of Rear Admiral Banda and Captain Rafelian, we thank you for attending today’s ceremony. You are all invited to join us in welcoming Captain Refelian at a reception located in banquet hall," the narrator concluded.

Banda and Refelian stood by as the audience started to approach to shake and congratulate him on his command.

“Thank you for those kind words, Admiral. It means a lot to me knowing I have your trust and support.” Harry said as he shook a few officers hands.

"Of course. This sector is too important for us to lose it," Banda said. The two had been updating each other on the Raeya Sector Block. She was just glad there was a tough Captain like Harry out here. She had not realized Raeya had once again become the wild west that it used to be.

“I agree with that, Admiral.” Harry said with a nod as he continued shaking hands of people congratulating him. He just hoped he could keep the RSB from selfcombusting.

 

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